Talking about pornography is one of the best ways to protect your child from the influence of pornography. You could start a conversation by talking about something you and your child have seen in a movie, TV show, YouTube video and so on. Or you could ask your child some questions. For example:. Here are some important things you could talk about. Why does online pornography exist? Explain that some adults like looking at pornography, so people film or take photos of sex to make money. Is porn sex like real sex? Young people might think that pornography shows them what sex and bodies should look like.
You can explain to your child that actors in pornography are being paid. For example, the actors might have had their bodies modified or enhanced in various ways. What are the risks of pornography? Teenagers who look at pornography regularly might develop unhealthy views about women, sex and sexual performance.
These views can make it harder for them to develop respectful and enjoyable sexual relationships. You can help your child understand this by talking about what respectful relationships look and feel like. Talking about pornography can be part of talking with your child about sex and sexuality. Staying calm will help you to:. If your child is looking at pornography to find out more about sex , you could help her find better information sources. Your GP is a good place to start. Young people are naturally curious about sex and relationships.
They might look at pornography for sexual arousal, out of curiosity, or to find out more about sex. Both boys and girls watch pornography with their friends. This might be to build closer bonds with friends, to boost social status, or to encourage someone they like to have sex with them. Often boys suggest looking at pornography, rather than girls. Also, boys are more likely to look for pornography and view it on their own than girls. Children and teenagers mostly see pornography online. Skip to content Skip to navigation.
For example: Have you heard people talking about pornography? What did they say? Do you know people who look at pornography? Have you ever seen pornography? Have you seen it when you were with friends? Staying calm will help you to: talk with your child in a caring, constructive and supportive way try to understand whether your child is viewing pornography alone or with friends try to understand why your child is interested in viewing pornography work out the best way to handle the situation.
Why young people view pornography Young people are naturally curious about sex and relationships. Where teenagers see pornography Children and teenagers mostly see pornography online.